CES 2020: The trucks are rolling in!

Autonomous driving and the electrification of powertrains are also significant topics for commercial vehicles. It’s no surprise that CES is increasingly being used by the heavy-duty sector to look into the future. Once again, Paccar showcased its electrified fleet, particularly highlighting the electric 270 distribution truck with a DAF LF cab and the fully electric Peterbilt 520 garbage truck, which have now become very concrete products within the Paccar group. The electric Kenworth K270E distribution truck is equipped with an e-powertrain from Dana and is set to be offered with two range options (100 and 200 miles/161 and 323 kilometers respectively). Interestingly, when the practically identical Peterbilt 220EV was introduced in 2019, Meritor was named the supplier of the e-axle. The chassis-integrated drive is designed as a direct drive and uses a standard axle and driveshaft from Dana. Dana also supplies the energy management system, including battery packs, onboard charger, and software. Kevin Baney, General Manager at Kenworth, explains:

“Dana is an industry leader in electrified modules and systems, supported by their expertise in in-house vehicle integration.”

According to Baney, Kenworth aims to produce up to 100 of the e-trucks this year. Additionally, there was a Kenworth T680 long-haul tractor on display, which is expected to be capable of Level 4 autonomous driving – but still with diesel.

This was complemented by the exhibits of "plus.ai" a few meters away: showcasing their autonomous trucks, which are modified production models from Peterbilt and Navistar – the latter featuring a substantial "camera and LiDAR antlers" for the necessary visibility – though it is far less noticeable than it was a few years ago.

Nikola was also present – in cooperation with logistics service provider Ryder, who promoted modern and digital logistics solutions in this way. In the halls, apart from John Deere with a theoretically autonomous field sprayer, FPT was also present: together with Giorgio Moroder, they "composed" the Cursor X, a multimodal drive that can be installed in various products, including an electric or hydrogen fuel cell variant, for which Moroder composed the sound signature.

Toyota, meanwhile, showcased the production version of its e-mobile "Palette" - a cross between a van, pod, and property! It is set to go into (pre-series) production discreetly by 2020. As an eye-catcher at an audio specialist's booth, a 1947 Dodge Power Wagon was displayed, which also garnered much attention, with some inquiring whether it had an alternative powertrain.

What does this mean?

The commercial vehicle industry is slowly but surely discovering CES for itself – and was more present in 2020 than ever before!